Photo Dump

Such an amazing group of kids.  I had one of the best years with this bunch!

The Eickhoff's invited us over for a BBQ and smores!  

Yummy!

It's derby season and Kurtis has been spending a lot of time over at the Fausett's house.  We decided to go over there one evening for a BBQ.  

Let the library trips begin!  

My sweet 19 month old!  

I got spoiled at the Jones' when I hosted a thirty-one party for Jamie.  Taylor of course had to hook me up with his TV's. I told them I'm officially renting out their basement to host all of my parties. 

Landon fell in love with the fish that we bought Monroe for her birthday.  I told him that we'd get him a fish at some point, but he had to wait.  The day finally came when he got his own.  Meet Bubbles!

Avery's personality changes when she is wearing a dress.  She was prancing around prior to church in her dress and jellies!  

Mikki took Avery with her to the end of the year awards ceremony!  She was occupied!  

She visited my room when they were done!  Of course the kids gravitated toward her!

Landon headed to Camp Jump and I decided to make a spontaneous trip to Kearney to see my Grandma.  I told myself I would make it a absolute must to try to visit her at least every other week.  It just breaks my heart that she is in the nursing home all alone.  She continues to make progress but still has a LONG way to go.  We love taking her outside and she loves our company.  We also went and had lunch with her and of course Miss Avery decided to provide lunchtime entertainment.  All the residents thought she was a doll!  It definitely put a smile on my heart to see how much joy our visit had on not just my grandmother but the others as well.  

Landon and Avery's friends on the last week of daycare for the year.

Avery is our go, go, go child; however, we finally caught her asleep in her high chair one evening.  

Lincoln Children's Museum!

I had my haircut in Lincoln and decided to take my family along this time to make it a mini vacation.  After my haircut we did a little shopping then took the kids to the Lincoln Children's Museum.  I had yet to go and it was on my summer bucket list with the kids. Landon was so excited that we actually lost him in the first 5 minutes that we were there.  The place is three stories so there is lots of room to run and play.  

The tunnels were probably the kids' favorite part!  

Still not crawling through but scooting!

Harvesting apples!

This was Avery's favorite part! She loved the kitties and puppies!

I had to get in on the fun!  

It was a very successful visit and we look forward to going back!

Adventure Awaits!

On April 23rd, that moment you've been waiting for…. yet….. really never wanted it to actually happen happened.  I was at the district office working on math task force mapping when I was asked by the Teaching and Learning director if I'd be interested in a Learning Facilitator position at Stolley Park Elementary.  About a month prior to that, I actually went into her office wanting her advice on where she sees me in the district (grade level change, math coach, learning facilitator, 2nd grade teacher) I felt like I was wanting change but not sure what that change would be.  After she had asked me that day I was really really excited, but really really nervous at the same time.  How was I going to tell my principal, what would my team say, could I leave my amazing friends at Newell?  These were all questions that ran through my mind and for a person that doesn't make decisions this was going to be one of the hardest ones I had to make.  Of course I was an emotional mess from Thursday-Monday when Deb had to know my answer.  Then of course after talking with my principal and crying almost everyday at school the kids started a rumor that I had gotten fired and had to pack up my things and leave that day.  Ohhhhhh the joys of 8 year olds!    

Here is the official position!  

Of course I was looking for some type of "sign" that it was time for me to move on.  I always keep notes from colleagues or friends behind my desk and all five of them talked about my role as a leader and sharing my gift with others.  

Then of course I happened to run across all these amazing quotes that gave me a glimmer of hope that I could do this.  My favorite "What if I fall?  Oh, but my darling what if you fly?"

My dear friend Asia was a huge supporter in my decision.  She kept telling me through all of this that God had bigger plans for me and I just needed to keep praying about it. She kept telling me to be still and pray, so I did.  

Of course the decision had to be made by me and only me.  Telling my principal, my team and my friends "the nine" and my colleagues was extremely difficult; however, they all had my back 100% which made it comforting to know I could do this.  My principal and I even hand shook that if it wasn't for me I could come back as long as he was at Newell.  Come to find out there were multiple candidates in the running so I had to actually interview for the position but later found out that I got it!  

The last few weeks of school were very bittersweet and I have NEVER EVER felt so loved by my colleagues who I call some of my dearest friends. They definitely outdid themselves in so many ways. 

I ended up getting this beautiful bouquet of flowers on the last day of school from a bunch of friends. 

Our incredible staff went out to celebrate the last day of school!

My mentor teacher always has the most perfect words at the perfect times!  

On Friday the staff always has a going away breakfast for those that are leaving.  I never thought I would be that person, but once again the love and support was amazing.  This will ALL be going in my office!  

Then of course "the nine" took me out to celebrate my new job!  We had supper at Bonsai and then of course headed to the Chocolate Bar (my favorite :))  They ended up giving me a frame with messages written all around it which will be going up in my office along with the above picture!  (Stolley staff may think I'm a little obsessed with Newell and my peeps with all the stuff I'm taking over :))

The packing up my classroom literally sucked. Going through every little cupboard and packing up everything; yuck!   After packing up my one room I decided moving houses will not be happening for awhile.  It's crazy what you can accumulate in just 8 years.  

Thank goodness my parents are letting me store all of my things in their inclosed trailer.  I wouldn't have a clue on what else to do with it all.  

The kids loved helping! (aka: getting rides)

Newell has been the perfect first home for me with so many amazing memories and friendships that I know will last a lifetime!  

It got a little more official when I toured the building, met the staff and got my very own cup!  

My future office/classroom!  This was taken while Kelly was still there.

Moved in a few of my things; I am actually pretty excited to set up in a smaller area!  

Let this new adventure begin!  

I'm officially a Stolley Park Panther!